The Public Health Ministry has begun distributing 2,880 boxes of the cancer treatment drug Imcranib to four hospitals, benefiting 215 patients.
Deputy government spokeswoman Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said the National Health Security Office (NHSO) had delivered the drug to Lop Buri Cancer Hospital, Chulabhorn Hospital, the National Cancer Institute and Rajavithi Hospital.
The NHSO plans three further deliveries to complete distribution of 23,000 boxes, or 690,000 tablets, by the end of October, for patients under the universal healthcare scheme.
Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana, president of the Chulabhorn Royal Academy, donated the medicine to the NHSO on July 4 under the “Cancer Treatment Drug Project in Honour of Her Royal Highness’s 69th Birthday”.
Imcranib 100, a targeted cancer therapy, contains imatinib and is used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumours. The medicine will be provided free of charge.
Ms Ploythalay said the distribution would improve access to effective treatment and strengthen medicine security. In fiscal 2027, the Chulabhorn Royal Academy is expected to produce imatinib in 100mg and 400mg strengths.